30 Days in The Brothel Episode Five
The night was quiet and cold. There was no noise inside the room. Outside, everywhere was lit by bright street lights that hung up in the atmosphere like lower stars. Occasionally, there were hums of distant traffic and the soft whistling of leaves on trees outside the brothel. The trees responded to the night breeze which made the evening cool. Inside the brothel, Kate sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her phone. Her mind was p******g fast.
It was the first time she was attempting a crime. Despite convincing herself that it was the right thing to do to her husband, Kate was still afraid.
The pastorโs plan had taken her by surprise, but it also excited her. She couldnโt deny the thrill of seeing her husband fearful and desperate to rescue her. Yet, a small part of her felt uneasy. What if this went too far? What if Ndu couldnโt raise the money? What if things get out of hand and they are arrested? She tried to shake the thoughts away, but they remained in her head. She couldn’t deny being afraid.
The pastor was sitting across from her and he was scrolling through his phone. A gentle smile could be seen on his face. He looked up at Kate and sensed her restlessness and fear. The pastor instantly knew that Kate was afraid of what was going to happen next. On the other hand, the pastor was not afraid. This was not his first time of doing crime. He has been involved in criminal activities in the past. This was more or less a lifestyle for him. It was another opportunity to make money. The process has been initiated already and he was not going to allow Kate to spoil things for him with fear. He therefore spoke to reassure Kate that everything would go as planned.
โDonโt worry. Everything will go as planned. By this time tomorrow, you will be richer than you are today. Think of what N5 million can do for you. Think of the expensive wigs you can buy. Think of how you could become rich just by one deal that would give you N5 million. If you want to use your legitimate work to earn such amount, it will take you at least one year. However, with this deal we are about to do, you can earn it in just one day. Relax, everything will go well.” The pastor tells Kate but she was still not fully convinced.
Kate nodded in silence. Her stomach churned with a mixture of guilt and anticipation. She picked up another apple and chewed it with much difficulty. The pastor had brought her favorite snacks, as usual, but tonight, even the food couldnโt fully distract her. She lost her appetite the moment she heard her husband’s apprehensive voice over the phone.
“What if something goes wrong? What if he brings the police? What if they got me arrested? What are we going to do if my husband fails to raise the money? Did you hear his voice? He sounded like someone in distress. It is true that I want to punish my husband for cheating but that doesn’t mean I should make him to have a heart attack. I will not forgive myself if he dies because of my actions. What about me? If the police finds out and gets me arrested, I will go to prison from here. It’s not going to be funny at all.” Kate said to the pastor.
I told you not to worry. You will not be arrested. I have done this before. Your husband will not dare bring the police. Eat your food in peace. Finish eating so that we can do bedroom action. Maybe my tongue would make you feel better.” The pastor said. There is something the pastor does with his tongue that Kate used to like. As soon as the pastor mentioned it, she became happy again.
The next morning, Ndu woke up early. His eyes were swollen from crying all night. He had barely slept. His mind was consumed with thoughts of Kate. The kidnapperโs call the night before had shattered him. He couldnโt believe his wife was in such danger. He had to act fast.
He spent the morning calling friends, family, and even his boss, begging for loans. He sold his car, emptied his savings, and even sold some of Kateโs jewelry. By midday, he had managed to gather N4 million. It wasnโt the full N5 million the kidnappers asked for but it was close. He prayed it would be enough. There was nothing else he could do. There was no way to raise more money. Ndu had exhausted all his contacts. He has called everyone and they have done what they could.
“I’m going to take this N4 million to them. I will take the risk, hopefully they will accept it.” Ndu said. He arranged the money in a big bag and sat in his living room to wait for a call from the kidnappers. He waited and waited but the call did not come. There was no way he could contact them because they did not give him their number.
Finally, at about 5pm, Ndu received a call from the pastor. As usual, he had changed his voice.
“This is the kidnappers. You can start coming now. Go to the city dumping ground. I mean that place where people dump dustbin. Go there and wait for more instructions. I have to warn you again not to bring the police. If you try it, your wife will be dead.” The pastor tells Ndu. He followed his instructions and went to the place he was asked to go.
When he got to the dumping ground, his heart was beating very fast. He was so scared. Meanwhile, the pastor said he he wanted to come out alone to meet Kate’s husband but she insisted on following him.
“I want to look at his face and be happy. I want to look at him and enjoy the fact that he is suffering because of me. He cheated on me, so allow me to follow you and enjoy the revenge.” Kate said.
When they drove close to the dumping ground. The pastor called Ndu again.
“Drop the money there and walk away.” The pastor said.
“What about my wife? When are you going to release her?” Ndu asked.
“Drop the money and walk away or we will shoot you dead. You are not the one to teach us our job.” The pastor said. Ndu dropped the bag of money and ran.
Watch out for episode six
